Eight deaths, 739 new COVID-19 cases announced Friday

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) was notified Friday of eight deaths from COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 170, and an additional 739 positive cases for a total of 7,884 positive cases, including 408 cases in Dallas County.

There have been an additional 2,186 negative tests for a total of 37,708 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs. The number of positive cases will continue to grow as Test Iowa sites open and additional surveillance testing of large businesses and nursing home staff continues.

According to IDPH, 345 Iowa are currently hospitalized, and 2,899 have recovered. At this time, one in 69 Iowans have been tested.

Full COVID-19 case information can be found on the IDPH website, including county-level statistics.

About 50% of all deaths in Iowa are associated with outbreaks in long-term care facilities. This statistic underscores that COVID-19 poses the most risk for older adults above the age of 60 with chronic health conditions, resulting in more severe illness and death.

A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID19 in Iowa is provided on the IDPH website. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431.